Colorado vs Arizona: NCAA Football Predictions, Odds & Best Bets

The Colorado Buffaloes take on the Arizona Wildcats this weekend in what was once a PAC-12 Matchup, now turned Big 12 Showdown. These two teams were sort of Dark Horses to win the Big 12 at the beginning of the season, with the Wildcats ranked in the preseason Top 25. However, after some ugly losses on both sides, we see them meet in an unranked battle.

Regardless, it will be a thriller between these teams.

The visiting Buffaloes are coming off a heartbreaking loss to Kansas State at home last Saturday. Colorado had strung together 3 straight wins before losing in Folsom Field, and now they have to pick themselves up and face a tough Arizona team. Shedeur Sanders and the offense seem to be clicking, as they have put up 35.5 points per game over their last 4 posting a 3-1 record. Colorado is still 2-1 in conference play, while the Wildcats sit at 1-2 currently.

Arizona also lost to Kansas State a few weeks ago, but it did not count as a Big 12 game on the record sheet. Since that loss, the Wildcats took down #10 Utah on the road, but are coming off consecutive losses to Texas Tech at home and at #14 BYU. Arizona will need a big bounce back game tonight in order to over come two straight conference losses. Can they do just that against Colorado? More importantly, can their defense slow down Travis Hunter?

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Colorado vs Arizona: PAC 12 Turned Big 12 Showdown

Matchup Information – Colorado vs Arizona

• Venue & Location: Arizona Stadium (Tucson, AZ)
• Date: Saturday, October 19th, 2024
• Kick Off: 4:00pm Eastern
• Broadcast: FOX

Betting Odds

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Spread

• Colorado +3 (-110)
• Arizona -3 (-110)

Money Line

• Colorado +130
• Arizona -150

Total

• Over 58 (-117)
• Under 58 (-103)

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Sanders and the Buffs Head Down to Tucson

To be completely honest with you, I want no part of a side in this matchup. I’ll admit, the Colorado is offense is coming to life. Shedeur Sanders is playing very well the past few weeks with 12 TDs and just 2 INTs over the last 4 games. He’s completing nearly 75% of his passes and his overall passing numbers are quite impressive. But can he win when it counts on the road?

This will be the Buffaloes toughest test on the road this year, as UCF turned out to be a bit of a cupcake win. Nevertheless, the Arizona defense will need to turn it on and find a way to slow down Colorado’s offense. The Wildcats let BYU put up 40 on them, and couldn’t keep up with the Red Raiders at home. They give up over 230 passing yards per game, and nearly 6 yards per play, which could very well lead to some easy Colorado points.

On the flip side, I’m not sure the Buffaloes can stop Fifita and McMillan. The Buffs allow over 200 yards through the air and 5 yards per play, so I see both offenses having a hay day. I can’t bring myself to even lean towards one side, but I do certainly lean with points in this ball game.

However, I’ve got my eye on a couple of player props, but they happen to involve the same guy.

Colorado Buffaloes vs Arizona Wildcats Best Bets

Colorado vs Arizona Prediction: Absolutely No Side, Over 58

Best Bets: Quali Conley Over 75.5 Rushing Yards (-113) BetOnline

Colorado can’t stop the run. We know this. They give up 160 rushing yards per game and over 4.2 yards per rush on the road. Quali Conley is an explosive, every down back for the Wildcats, and I see him getting a plethora of touches this weekend. He’s cleared this line in 3/6 games this season, posting 90+ in all of those contests and ending with 72 yards against Utah. Conley has had double digits carries in every single game, is running for 5.6 yards per carry, and has covered this line in all 3 games at home.

Conley runs for 99.7 yards per game at home and 7.3 yards per rush. Running the ball is the way to attack this Buffs defense, and doing so early and often will not only take pressure off Fifita, it will set up McMillan on the play action later in the game. Like I said, I think we see plenty of points and offense in this matchup, so I’ll also be backing Conley through the air.

Bonus Bets: Quali Conley Over 22.5 Receiving Yards (-113) BetOnline

This will be a 2 Unit play for me.

The Arizona RB has 23+ receiving yards and 4/6 games this season, including all 3 at home. He’s caught 2+ passes in 5/6 games and has 11 targets over his last two contests. Conley averages 7 yards per catch, so in theory we need 4 to really get the job done, but I see Arizona setting up some easy screens for him early, which the Buffaloes struggle to defend.

Buffaloes Against Receiving RBs

• NDSU: 1 catch for 48 yards
• NEB: 8 catches for 49 yards, TD, Longest 18 yards
• CSU: 2 catches for 29 yards, Longest 23 yards
• BAY: 1 catch for 19 yards
• UCF: 4 catches for 92 yards, Longest 75 yards
• KSU: 2 catches for 38 yards, Longest 34 yards

Conley has 22 receptions on the year, compared to the rest of the RB room who only totals 10 catches. He averages 25.2 yards per game, so get ready to sweat, but I have faith that he will clear it for us.

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